The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball squad is going through one of the toughest stretches of the season. Over the last two weeks, the Razorbacks have a record of 2-6, which includes a four-game losing streak and an early exit from the SEC Tournament.
Players, coaches, and even fans have shown their displeasure towards the current misfortunes that the Razorbacks have endured, but one person, in particular, took their frustrations a bit too far.
Derek Ruscin, a co-host of the Ruscin and Zach radio show that airs statewide on ESPN Arkansas, has been reprimanded for a rant aimed toward Arkansas catcher [autotag]Michael Turner[/autotag], ESPN Arkansas’ Tommy Craft said in a statement released Sunday.
Statement from ESPN Arkansas market manager @tommycraftespn pic.twitter.com/mIRLWIpW6O
— ESPN Arkansas & HitThatLine.com (@HitThatLineAR) May 29, 2022
For context, following Arkansas’ exit from the SEC Tournament after suffering a loss to Florida on Friday, Turner was asked during the postgame press conference if he could “put a finger” on what’s causing the Razorbacks’ recent struggles. Turner says that he and his teammates are trying to “cut out a lot of the outside noise”, citing the small number of fans that share their frustrations on Twitter, and the fact that the players can see what fans are saying.
Here’s what Arkansas catcher Michael Turner had to say about the outside noise the Hogs are hearing.
“There’s a lot of people that are good fans. Some aren’t so great fans. If you read Twitter after the game, it can get in your mind a little bit.” pic.twitter.com/rEV1QcLxDj
— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) May 27, 2022
Turner’s answer apparently did not sit well with Ruscin. During his afternoon show, which airs from 3 until 7 p.m. CT weekdays, Ruscin ranted about Turner, using choice words to describe his feelings towards the Arkansas backstop.
Ruscin’s words sparked a wave of support for Turner across the social media platform from fans, and even former Arkansas Baseball players. Those who praised Turner also took the time to condemn Ruscin for his tirade on a player who has become a fan favorite since stepping on campus this season.
Razorback pic.twitter.com/jPb4aDre35
— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) May 29, 2022
Turner, who transferred from Kent State for the 2022 season, currently hits .298 for Arkansas, and led the team in average for most of the season. In 208 at-bats, Turner has recorded 15 extra base hits, seven home runs, and 37 RBI. He holds a 0.994 fielding percentage with just three errors behind the plate this season.
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